Austin Foodie Bits ~ Week of May 17 (with a Podcast)

Technology seemed bound and determined to keep this week’s Foodie Bits from being published, but after much stomping of feet, gnashing of teeth, and praying to the technology gods, the post is finally up. And that’s a good thing because there’s quite a bit going on around town this week, including Tribeza’s inaugural supper club at Parkside, a celebration of goat cheese at Whole Foods, and two different affordable opportunities to enjoy local food and wine while supporting great causes like Zach Scott Theater and Slow Food Austin.

Central Market continues its celebration of Argentinean Food and Wine with classes, tastings, and more. I’m particularly looking forward to the picadas, samplings of food and wine inspired by a sampling of finger foods in Argentina known as a picada. The wine maker lunches and dinners are also of interest because they will give us a look into the heart and soul of the producers who epitomize Argentina’s wine regions. There are myriad events every day through May 25 at both the North Lamar and Westgate stores. The Westgate store even has a special tent erected specifically to house events like a film festival and dance demonstrations, so be sure to visit the Central Market site and review the daily schedules for both stores. Francis Mallmann, the master of Argentinian cooking, will be in town on Friday night for a sold-out event that I’m lucky enough to be able to attend. I will of course tweet and blog about it to share his experiences and words of wisdom about cooking with fire.

Listen to an overview of my highlights of this week’s events in my Foodie Bits pocast, or skip right to the full listing of foodie fun to be had by all.

[NEW] May 18: Supper Friends Dinner – Supper Friends is the 2 Dine 4 supper club that celebrates the joy of food with a multi-course plated dinner served at communal tables. This week’s event features delights like warm chicken gougeres, yellow tomato gazpacho, pan-roasted mahi mahi, braised beef short ribs, and a warm chocolate brownie. It’s BYOB so you can bring your favorite bottle(s) along. $50.50/person. 6:45 pm. Call 512. 467.6600 for more information and to reserve your seat.

May 19: Texas Artisan Cheese Dinner at the Carillon – Chef Josh Watkins of the AT&T Conference Center’s Carillon restaurant is teaming up with Cathy Strange, Global Cheese Buyer for Whole Foods Market and one of the world’s foremost cheese experts for a three or five course dinner designed to highlight the wonderful cheeses made here in Texas. Enjoy a variety of cheeses and chat table-side with the chef and Cathy about the cheeses and the way they are used in the different dishes. $70/person including wine pairings. 6:00pm – 9:00 pm. E-mail katy.carlson@attconf.utexas.edu or call 512.404.3655 to reserve your spot.

[NEW] May 19: Picada with Marco Belmonte, Winemaker – Enjoy a sampling of the delightful wines from Trapiche/Astica, located at the foot of the Andes in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Known for the variety of the wines produced there, Trapiche offers excellent value for quality wines. You’ll ample light hors d’oeuves paired with the wines and a DJ will be spinning traditional and modern Argentine tunes. $35/person. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Central Market North Lamar. Reserve online.

[NEW] [FREE] May 19: Wine 101 – Learn the ins-and-outs of selecting and enjoying wine from the experts at Twin Liquors. They will demystify varietals, wine styles, and other lingo to help you find wines that you can truly savor. 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Twin Liquors Marketplace Hancock. RSVP required via e-mail to hancock@twinliquors.com.

[NEW] [GreatValue] [Do Good] May 20: Slow Food Austin Happy Hour at Green Gate Farms – Slow Food Austin is bringing together some of the best local artisans for an evening of wine, spirits, and nibbles. Join Viu Manent Winery, mixologists Bill Norris and David Allen, and caters Cake & Spoon and El Locavore down on the farm. Get away from the hustle of the work week to enjoy this al fresco evening. Bring lawn chairs, close-toed shoes and a $10 donation for Slow Food Austin. 5:00 pm – sunset. RSVP to karlal@slowfoodaustin.org.

[NEW] [GreatValue] [Do Good] May 20: Cupcakes and Wine for a Cause – I love combining good food with support for a good cause, and this week’s cupcake and wine benefit at House Wine fits the bill. Enjoy a cupcake from the Cupcake Bar and a delicious glass of wine while helping raise money for Zachary Scott. Choose from delectable cupcakes including tres leches, chocolate peanut butter cup, and caramel Italian. Pair your cupcake with wine selections include a peach-basil or pomegranate sangria, Louis Perdrier Rosé, or 2006 Malbec, Llama, Argentina. $13/person with a portion donated to Zach Scott Theater. 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. House Wine.

[NEW] May 20: Tribeza Supper Club at Parkside – In correlation with their May culinary issue, Tribeza is starting a supper club. Their inaugural event will be held at a personal favorite spot of mine, Parkside, featuring the culinary delights of the Shawn Cirkiel who adorns the cover (along with a whole bunch of butter) of the May issue of Tribeza. Begin the evening with appetizers and Grey Goose cocktails on the second floor deck overlooking 6th street, the move into Parkside’s private dining room for a four course dinner with wine pairings. $75/person or $600 for a table for 8. 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. RSVP to events@tribeza.com to reserve your spot.

[Value] May 21: Friday Night Tasting ~ Goat Cheeses – Sometimes goat cheese gets a bad rap. Many folks think it’s a tart, soft cheese that you either love or not. If you’re in this camp, then I urge you to enjoy a bit of goat cheese education and tasting this Friday night at Whole Foods. Some of the world’s most amazing goudas and cheddars are made with goat’s milk, and in this class you taste a sampling along with specially paired wines. $25. 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Whole Foods Culinary Center. Reserve online.

May 22: Spring Wine Tasting at Max’s Wine Dive – Spring is way past sprung, and summer is upon us, so it’s time to break out some lighter wines as we prepare to settle around pools, on porches, and beside the lake. Max’s Wine Dive will help you sort out your lighter-side wine opportunities at this special tasting of spring wines. You can also take home bottles of the ones you enjoy most at a discount. $30/person. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Call 512.904.0111 to buy your ticket.

[NEW] [FREE] May 21: Sunset Supper Cinema ~ Chicken Run – Whole Foods Market begins its summer Sunset Cinema series this Friday with a free viewing of Chicken Run on the rooftop of the flagship store. If you’re so inclined, purchase dinner from the market downstairs, including a $15 themed three-course meal prepared by the Whole Food Chefs to go along with the movie. Hmm…I wonder if there will be chicken on the menu? 7:30 pm. Whole Foods Flagship.

[NEW] May 23: Lunch with the Finca Sophia Winemaker – Enjoy a casual lunch as Matias Michelini, winemaker at Finca Sophenia, introduces you to his incredible wines. The Central Market Cooking School staff will create a seasonal meal to compliment his wines that includes beef from the pampas. This will be a fun and relaxed way to get to know more about the food and wine of this wonderful region. $50/person. 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Central Market North Lamar. Reserve online.

Eat Well, Do Good

April 15 – May 26: Maggiano’s Make-A-Wish Foundation Fundraiser – A newcomer to the Austin food scene, Maggiano’s is making a commitment to our community by donating portion of proceeds from select menu to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas in the Austin regional office, for children with life-threatening diseases. When you enjoy dishes like their grilled steak bruschetta, baked tilapia with lobster, or star lemon cookies, you’ll not only be filling your stomach, you’ll be filling a need. Visit Maggiano’s in the Domain in the coming weeks to help make a difference.